After emigrating from Ireland in 1853 destitute and poor, Graydon joined the military and started out as a bugler. Early in his military career, Graydon's company patrolled a diverse area that ranged from the Appalachian region to the southwest areas of North America where the Mescelaro Indians who were causing havoc along the frontier. While in the Southwest, Graydon realized potential for economic gain and decided to leave the army. In 1858 Graydon was honorably discharged and started a new life in Sonoita Creek, which was located southwest of Tucson between the Mexican and American border.

While in Sonoita Creek Graydon opened a hotel, which quickly made him the wealthiest man in the area. In Sonoita Creek Graydon made a reputation for his rigorous enforcement of the law and order because of the tight

By the summer of 1861 the Civil War had spread to the southwest. On April 12, 1861 Civil War had official reached America and soon James "Paddy" Graydon would be involved. With the Rebel flag floating near and the Apache Indians on the prowl it was clear to Graydon that it was time for him to again become involved in the military. Graydon had risen from private to one of the most respected men in the southwest much to the thanks of the American military, for this reason he joined with the Union forces. In late July it is thought that Graydon rode ahead of the military as a guide or scout because of his vast knowledge of the area. Graydon spent the first part of his second time in the military acting as a spy for the federal army.

In February of 1862 Graydon was ordered across the Rio Grande make a closer observation on the movement of the Texans. However as soon as Graydon and his men crossed the river the Rebels attacked them and his company was saved only on account of a brisk line of Federal gunfire. Instead of this direct attack Graydon was sent to the rear of the Rebel forces. From here he led several successful attacks on the Texans and detected the advancement of more than four hundred Rebels who were preparing to cross the river and fall onto the Union rear. Because of Graydon's observation the Union forces were able to hold back the Texas army and keep the Rebels from advancing.

When Graydon returned to Fort Stanton, the Gallinas Massacre was a topic of heated discussion by many. At Fort Stanton was a Dr. John Maramaduke Whitlock who became an outspoken critic of Graydon's actions in the Gallinas Massacre. Whitlock referred to Graydon as a "murder and a thief". When Whitlock's remarks were made known to Graydon the stage was set for one of the most explosive incidents in the history of the territory. On November 5 of 1862 Graydon stormed into the officer's room of the fort to question Whitlock of the comments he made. Whitlock asked to let the matter rest until mooring, which Graydon accepted. The next morning Graydon asked Whitlock about his comments again. Whitlock made a remark towards Graydon

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Approximate Word count = 1441
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)